IND vs ENG: A look at the Indian team’s injuries and fitness updates ahead of the Old Trafford Test
The fourth Test of the IND vs ENG series will begin at Old Trafford on July 23, but injuries are proving to be a major hindrance in the Indian team’s preparations. The team is trailing 2-1 after losing by 22 runs at Lord’s, and now, when the IND vs ENG series is at a crucial juncture, the fitness crisis has confused the strategy.
The latest concern is Arshdeep Singh. The fast bowler has not played any Test in the IND vs ENG series yet, but he suffered a deep injury on his left hand in the practice session. The cut is so serious that it may require stitches. If he is out, India could lose a potential match-winner from availability in the fourth Test. His first-class record is excellent—66 wickets in 21 matches and two five-wicket hauls.
Jasprit Bumrah’s condition is also not completely clear. He has bowled a lot in the first three Tests, and now the team is cautious about his workload. Although the coaching staff has indicated that Bumrah can play at Old Trafford, the final decision depends on his fitness. His experience is very important in the IND vs ENG match.
Rishabh Pant continues to recover from a thumb injury. He batted despite pain in the Lord’s Test. The coaching staff hopes that he will enter the nets in Manchester. Pant’s return will strengthen the team, especially after he became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a century in both innings in England.
Akash Deep has been missing from practice after the second Test at Lord’s. He has been reported to have a slight problem with his knees. This has raised doubts about his availability in the IND vs ENG series. On the other hand, KL Rahul’s absence from the practice session has raised questions about the batting order, but he might be fit to be in the team for the fourth Test. Ravindra Jadeja may not have made much of an impact with the ball in this series, but his all-round ability still remains important.
What’s next for Team India?
The series of Indian team injury news is not stopping. At this time, the biggest question for the team management is who to play and who to rest. The selection of the playing eleven for the Indian team’s Old Trafford test will depend heavily on medical reports.
This fitness crisis in the preparations for the IND vs ENG match is a warning bell for India. If the team is unable to choose the right combination, then it may be difficult to make a comeback in the Old Trafford test. The eyes of the fans are fixed on the Indian team’s injury news and the condition of the players.
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According to me, the team should avoid taking risks. Only those players should play in the Old Trafford test who are fully fit. In a series like IND vs ENG, a half-fit player can increase the difficulty instead of winning the match.
| Player | Issue/Injury | Current Status | Likelihood of Playing at Old Trafford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | Cut on bowling hand during practice | May require stitches; under medical observation | Unlikely |
| Jasprit Bumrah | No injury, but workload concerns | Fit, but being monitored closely | Likely |
| Rishabh Pant | Finger injury from Lord’s Test | Recovering; expected to bat before the Test | Probable |
| Mohammed Siraj | No injury, but workload under watch | Fit; leading wicket-taker in series | Very likely |
| Akash Deep | Discomfort after Lord’s Test | Limited net sessions; evaluation ongoing | Doubtful |
| KL Rahul | Unknown; missed recent practice | Fitness status unclear | Likely |
| Ravindra Jadeja | No injury; low bowling impact in series | Fully fit | Certain |
